Merry Christmas 2009

Christmas 2009 is one that I truly believe we will all remember for years.  It will be that Christmas that we all talk about ... "remember the year we didn't get to go anywhere because of the ice, snow and just plain horrible weather".

We were supposed to make the annual trip to Audubon on Christmas Eve Day to stay at "the barn" but for several days we watched the weather forecast saying that a large storm was on its way to Iowa but nobody knew exactly where it was going to hit until it actually got here or what it was going to bring to the area.  We started getting ready for Christmas as usual, getting the presents wrapped, suitcases packed and finding our Christmas outfits just in case there was a break in the storm or it didn't hit where everyone thought it MIGHT.  When we went to bed the night before Christmas Eve it was not looking very promising for us to get out the next day, and waking up confirmed what nobody actually wanted to say the day before....NO TRAVEL for the Scanlan family this year.  My emotions were everywhere!  I really don't remember the last time I wasn't with my Audubon family for Christmas.  It just doesn't seem like Christmas without the trip to Audubon.  Parts of Audubon were without power and roads getting to Audubon were ice and snow covered.  We would just have to make the best of staying in Northeast Iowa instead.

With Grandma Ann & Grandpa Steve just 25 miles away we decided that we could probably make it to Waverly for a small Christmas.  So, we loaded up the truck with us, the meat/cheese tray that was to feed the whole Levis family and a few presents.  The roads were very wet going to Waverly and if the temperature would drop even just a degree or two there could be TROUBLE but we made it to Grandma's house for Christmas.  Even without the rest of the family we had a very good day.  We had food, fun and Santa found us while we were taking naps.

 

After supper we decided it was time to try to head home since it was now snowing and had gotten much colder and the radar was indicating more to come. So, once again we loaded up in the truck and hit the road.  It took us a while longer than normal to get home due to the slushy-icy-snowy roads but we made it safe.

Christmas Morning we woke in our own beds for the first time ever and had no where to go and looking outside, wouldn't get anywhere if we tried.  We have spent the day playing with our new toys and just relaxing at home.  It isn't the Christmas we are used to but we are safe, warm and with loved ones.

So, we hope that everyone had a safe, warm holiday with loved ones even if you didn't have the Christmas of your memories. 
Merry Christmas and lets hope we have a better New Year!

by Jeni

Snow Storm December 8 - 9, 2009

We all knew it was going to happen sometime but I don't think anyone was actually ready for the first snow of the season.  Tuesday it snowed most of the day and continued into the night.  By 8:30PM we already knew that there would be no school for Jordan on Wednesday.  Waking up on Wednesday we actually dreaded going outside and "trying" to move snow.  The wind had picked up and was blowing HARD!!

Jason moved some of the snow from the drive so he could get the truck out.  Jordan thought this clearing was his own personal area to play in the snow.  He LOVES the snow.

Looking from the back door of the house up to the shop.

Yes, my van is in the garage behind that drift.  Will I get out before Spring?

Jason watched Jordan play.  If you look real close you can see the snow blowing past.

I didn't get pictures, but, we have the BEST neighbors around.  One of our neighbors came over with a big cabbed tractor and large bucket and moved the snow out of our drive for us!!  It took lots less time than it would have taken for Jason to clear all of it.  We just have some small clean up work to do but at least we can get out now.

I love Iowa neighbors!!  Thank you Jeff.

Personally, this is enough snow for the entire winter.  Hope everyone stays safe and warm INSIDE!

by Jeni

Santa Claus Visit

December 5, 2009 Santa Claus came to Frederika.

We took Jordan to see him and give him "the list".

 

Hope everyone has a great Christmas.

by Jeni

Remodel Begins

Thanksgiving weekend we decided to start a remodel on our bedroom.  Because of the age of the house, most of the walls are plaster and lathe and very little insulation.  Everything had to come down in the bedroom and the mess began.

So, here is the before.  Notice the bi-fold doors on the hallway door as well as the very small closet.

  

The demolish crew!

The furniture is cleaned out so time for DEMO!

 

Jordan is our "task master", he doesn't like it when we decide to take a break.  Here is is yelling at Jason and I "hey guys, there is lots more work up here"!

Jordan helping take the plaster off the walls.  He was so excited to be able to pound on the walls with a crew bar and watch the walls fall.

 

Jordan made his own work bench inside using the old lathe.

This is the new closet with a HUGE door.

Thank goodness for Grandpa Steve who willingly comes up to help us anytime we want!

Finally getting the sheetrock hung.

 Helping to clean up after a long day.

Look at that dirty face!  He has been working hard.

We are not done yet so I will keep updating the progress here.  We were hoping to have it completed by Christmas but that is not looking good at this time.

So, you now know why we have all been covered in dust for the last couple of weeks.

by Jeni